Turkiye’s AK Party turns 25: A journey of change and renewal

The initial step taken on August 14, 2001 cannot be viewed merely as the submission of a political party’s founding petition within the annals of international political history; rather, it is the reincarnation of a millennium-old, deep-rooted civilisational vision on the modern world stage. Today, having left a quarter of a century behind, the AK Party is not merely a tale of national development within its borders, but an unparalleled 25-year epic of democracy on a global scale. Coming to power with immense public favour just 16 months after its founding, and steering the country with uninterrupted stability for a quarter of a century, this political movement has secured a highly exceptional place in world political history.

Iran says Strait of Hormuz under its control, rejects Trump claims

Iran asserts full control over the Strait of Hormuz, challenging US claims of dominance in the strategic waterway.

The commander of the paramilitary Basij Organisation said the Strait of Hormuz is “under Iran’s control and management”, a day after President Donald Trump claimed the United States was in “total control” of the waterway.

Oman says massive oil spill reaches coastline: What damage could it do?

A vast oil spill from a leaking tanker reached Oman’s coastline on Wednesday, its environment agency said.

This oil spill threatens to become one of the world’s worst in years after spreading largely unchecked for several weeks, experts say.

Lebanese Americans sue seeking end to US support for Israel

Dozens of Lebanese Americans have filed a class action civil lawsuit against the US government and several defence contractors, saying their role in Israel’s war in Lebanon is a violation of a US law that bars assistance to foreign governments known to be committing human rights abuses.

Turkiye lays out ‘mechanisms’ of defence pact with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia

Three nations to group ministers, hold ⁠joint exercises and deepen defence industry cooperation under the pact signed last week.

Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan will group senior ministers, hold ⁠joint exercises and deepen defence industry cooperation under a military pact signed between the regional powers last week, Turkiye’s defence ministry says.

RSC postpones Othello while leading actor Sharon D Clarke has cancer treatment

The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced that it will postpone its radical production of Othello starring Sharon D Clarke, while the Olivier-winning actor undergoes treatment for cancer.

The production, directed by Monique Touko, was scheduled to run from 13 February to 3 April 2027 at the Swan theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Clarke, 60, is best known for her role as Lola Griffin in the BBC medical drama Holby City, as well as for her theatrical performances in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom and Caroline, or Change.

Falling Danube flow forces shutdown of Romania’s sole nuclear plant

Romania had tried to avert a total shutdown of the plant, which usually generates a fifth of the country’s electricity.

Romania has paused operations at its sole nuclear plant due to record-low water levels in the Danube River, which provides cooling water for its reactors.

Phoebe Bridgers Lost Weekend: Planetarium album experience comes to Armagh

'I was blown away' - the fans who heard Phoebe Bridgers' unreleased album in a planetarium

Scientists invent 'world's greenest balloon'